Six Unanswered Goals Lift Broncos Over Wheat Kings
January 12, 2024 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Swift Current Broncos News Release
Brandon, Man. - The Swift Current Broncos extended their win streak to four games on Friday night as they defeated the Wheat Kings 7-3 in Brandon.
The Broncos were down 2-1 after one period with the only goal coming from Brady Birnie, and they were outshot 12-6 by the Wheat Kings who got goals from Roger McQueen and Brett Hyland.
Hayden Wheddon extended Brandon's lead to 3-1 early in the second period, but even at that point, Broncos Interim Head Coach Taras McEwen said he didn't feel like his team was playing all that bad.
"I thought we were playing well and generating some offence," McEwen said. "Once we did a good job on our forechecks and our reloads, and just not giving them any opportunities, I thought at that point into the third period we took the game over."
Connor Hvidston scored twice in the second period, including a powerplay marker to tie the hockey game at 3-3, and that was as close as the game was from that point forward. Zach Turner scored his third of the year before the second period came to a close to give the Broncos their first lead of the game.
In the third, Ty Coupland made it 5-3 before the trio of Conor Geekie, Brady Birnie, and Luke Mistelbacher scored twice with Geekie scoring one and Mistelbacher finishing off the other one with both being beautiful passing plays to set up the goal, and ultimately get things to 7-3.
That trio didn't start the game together but late in the first period, McEwen swapped Rylan Gould and Geekie, forming the new trio that combined for nine points on the evening.
"The way Geekie, Mistelbacher, and Birnie see the ice, you could see in the third period when they found some chemistry, they were feeling good and definitely able to create," said McEwen.
The Broncos penalty kill was a perfect 3-for-3 in the hockey game, making it back-to-back games with a perfect powerplay since late October. The Powerplay was 1-for-3 in the game.
Reid Dyck made his return in net for the Broncos, playing in his first game since November 14. He earned his ninth win of the season, stopping 20 of 23 shots he saw.
The Broncos are back in action on Tuesday when they visit the Medicine Hat Tigers.
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